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conservative approach. While a higher
risk option remains available to players
looking to take the more adventurous
route.
Both par-5s on the front nine are
examples of classic risk and reward
holes. With a long drive from the
elevated tee at the 485-metre second
hole, the green can be reached in two
shots. However, with a creek in front
and rocks surrounding the green, an
approach from long range is risky. The
more prudent play is to lay up short of
the creek, leaving just a wedge shot
to the green. The sixth also needs to
be handled with care. Meandering
downhill all the way, the 540-metre,
par-5, plays much shorter than its
yardage. Longer hitters who elect to
have a crack at reaching the green,
must carry water, trees and sand.
Good golfing strategy alongside
careful placement of your approach
shots is required to master Black
Mountain. The short par-4, fourth is
cracking hole. At just 350 metres,
length isn’t the issue. The downhill tee-
shot shortens the right-to-left shaped
hole even further. For most golfers, a
three-wood off the tee will be enough
club to lay up short of the water hazard.
With a short-iron to an island green, the
second shot is testing. The undulating
green, which makes putting difficult,
provides the final examination of your
game. The 17th is the shortest par-4 at
Black Mountain. And, given the fairway
falls significantly downhill from the tee
to the green, it plays much less than its
gentle 320 metres. Longer hitters could
Hole 2